It would be possible to visit one or even two more forts in that time, only with other units. Alexander had no doubt that if Dukun learned of the weakened garrisons and the soldiers' unwillingness to fight for the rebels, the number of such detachments would be increased. But that was all in the future. And now it is necessary to organize everything properly and not to forget about the convict to be taken with him.
The return of the small detachment to the camp caused a commotion. The scouts who discovered it thought that it was the return of a defeated force that had failed in the siege of the fort. To meet the "losers" went all the senior officers, led by the archmage. And all this cavalcade turned back when the scouts brought more truthful data. Archimagus Dukun did not return to the camp with the officers, but met the detachment and rode back next to Alexander. Thus the commander had time to get a full report directly from the first hand.
The unwillingness of the common soldiers to fight against the king, was a surprise to all. The noble aristocrats and mages of various origins took for granted the unquestioning obedience and complete loyalty of the nobles and herbivores. The presence of any but their own opinion, on issues that did not seem to concern the lower classes, did not fit in the minds of those in power.
- Master! - addressed the archmage to Alexander, after the end of the meeting, where they tried to understand how to use the new knowledge, - What do you think, if I offer a surrender to Zalon. The people of the fortress and the soldiers-
- No, Your Excellency," the vampire interrupted Dukun, "The mages are loyal to the rebel. As long as they are for him, all this is useless.
- What if we create magical disturbances and storm the city while the mages are almost helpless?
- I don't think that would work. Elos has the most loyal soldiers in the fortress. It's in the forts, the garrisons just follow the officers, but I'm sure in Zalon the soldiers are more motivated and have more to lose.
- So you suggest we proceed with your plan?
- Yes, Your Excellency. Just increase the number of troops and send messengers to all the forts now. Let them think.
- That's a good idea. Too bad we can't take Zalon before summer. The King won't be happy. The mines are important for the country.
Alexander looked at the servant girl who was present during their conversation with the archmage. Dukun instantly caught that look and sent the girl away with a nod, then put up the magical canopy.
- I think Master, I know what you want to talk about," with these words the archmage stood up and walked over to a small casket, "Your share of the moon silver. My men found it exactly where you indicated. I have divided everything into three equal parts. To the king, to me and to you. I think that's fair.
When Alexander opened the box he was handed, he found four bars of lunar silver. Exactly a third of the entire loot and four times what he had expected to receive.
"It turns out that being honest with the archmage is profitable," - with this thought the vampire slammed the lid and looked at his interlocutor again.
- I wanted to talk about something else, Your Excellency, but thank you for the moon silver. By the way, when the main mine is finished and empty, I'll draw the caches for your men.
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